Big Indochina Adventure Tours
for 18 - 35 Year Old College Students and Young
Professionals
Overview
From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, to
the serenity of Thailand's north, to the amazing colours and culture of
Vietnam, to the rugged terrain and archaeological treasures of Laos to the rich
but tragic past of Cambodia.... this is the tour that allows you to sample the
best of all that South East Asia has to
offer.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
It’s big, booming and bustling and the gateway to Asia, its
Bangkok! Meet your crew before sampling the spicy, varied nightlife.
Patpong neon lights, Lumpini markets or high class cocktails? Dancing,
dining and discovering, this is a city that never sleeps. Hotel
Day 2 Bangkok to Chiang
Mai
It’s a culture vulture morning visiting temples, before
taking a long-tail boat ride through the waterways of Bangkok where
traditional Thai life continues. Relax into the daily rhythm as locals
wash, fish and work from ramshackle buildings in criss-crossing canals.
Shopping is the national sport, so in the afternoon dive into the endless
delights of shopping meccas like Silom, MBK Centre, Siam Square and
Sukhumvit before jumping aboard the overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Overnight Train (B)
Day 3 Chiang
Mai
Head for the hills with the local guide, visit the Wat Phra
Thad and later, visit a nearby village to meet and experience the culture
of the colourful Hmongs, one of the major hill tribes of Northern
Thailand. You could take an Optional cooking class, chill by the pool or
kick around town. Hotel (B)
Day 4 Chiang Mai to
Chiang Rai
Refreshed by the mountain air of Chang Rai, head deeper
towards the picturesque Golden Triangle, where the Laos, Myanmar and
Thailand borders meet. After a short city orientation with your group,
there’s time to explore. In the afternoon, there’s an option to visit the
unique villages and see the way of life of the Akha and Yao hilltribes.
Hotel (B)
Day 5 Chiang Rai to
Pakbeng
After crossing the Thai/Laos border, tuk-tuks whisk you to
a private traditional boat. Cruise the mighty Mekong River, the 12th
longest river in the world crossing 6 countries. Drift through towering,
jungle covered gorges, taking sneak peeks of local life in remote villages
along the river banks. Arrive before sunset at a local Guesthouse in
Pakbeng for an authentic overnight Lao experience. Guesthouse (B,L,D)
Day 6 Pakbeng to
Luang Prabang
Start the day by hearing the busy clatter and distinct
scents of the local morning markets in Pakbeng. Continue cruising the
Mekong, stopping at the Tam Ting cave where locals have placed hundreds of
Buddha statues, finally arriving in Luang Prabang. Take a bike tour of the
UNESCO World Heritage-listed town and peruse the night markets where hill
tribes sell their textiles and handicrafts. Hotel (B,L)
Day 7 Luang
Prabang
Try one of the optional activities including a half day
kayak adventure or visit the Elephant Park Project and learn about their
conservation efforts. Maybe simply take a break from the hustle and
bustle, enjoy a cold Beer Lao – the national drink, and soak up the
chilled ambience of this sleepy and charming Laotian town. Stroll the
historic streets which feature a unique architectural blend of Asia and
colonial French styles, or visit some of the 32 temples! Hotel (B)
Day 8 Luang Prabang
to Vang Vieng
Make an early start to take part in the ritual of offering
alms (food) to the hundreds of Buddhist monks as they take make their
daily rounds. Travel by coach through the unique and spectacular limestone
rocks jutting from the otherwise flat landscape. Arrive in Vang Vieng and
get active by either jumping in a rubber tube down the river or taking a
cycling tour. Hotel (B)
Day 9 Vang
Vieng
After a free morning, depart for Vientiane, the capital of
Laos. Learn about the effects on Laos of The Indochina or “Forgotten” War
at the COPE Exhibition Centre. Visit temples and the ‘Arc de Triomphe’, a
nod to Laos’ French colonial past. You’ll have an option to enjoy an
authentic Laotian meal at Makphet. Here they train former street children,
and return the restaurant’s profits to the Peuan Mit street children
project to keep training the next generations of chefs. Hotel (B)
Day 10 Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Goodbye Laos and hello Cambodia as you travel by plane to
the capital. Enjoy free time to explore the city once known as the “Pearl
of Asia”. Boasting broad, French styled boulevards, walk the streets and
absorb the local colour or visit one of the many museums about the regime
of the Khmer Rouge. Hotel (B)
Day 11 Vientiane to Phnom Penh
Today tour the Royal Palace and view first-hand, the legacy
of the violent Khmer Rouge at the “Killing Fields” genocide sites. Spend a
free afternoon visiting boutique shops, and as a highlight, pick an option
to travel by tuk-tuk to a 120 year old French colonial building for a
traditional Khmer meal before ending the night at a roof top bar. Hotel
(B)
Day 12 Phnom Penh to
Siem Reap
Today we fly to Siem Reap to see an archaeological wonder
of the world. Travel by tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat and explore the temple
complex of Angkor, built in the 13th century and comprising of 282
temples, one of the biggest religious monuments ever built. Chillout as
the sun sets over the ruins and return for a free night in Siem Reap.
Hotel (B)
Day 13 Siem
Reap
Explore the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake by wooden
boat before an atmospheric visit to other temples close to Angkor that
have been reclaimed from the jungle. You’ll recognise scenes from the
movie Tomb Raider with the exotic Ta Phrom. Hotel (B)
Day 14 Siem Reap to
Ho Chi Minh City
You might receive an early-morning good luck blessing by
Buddhist monks before you’re on the plane to Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh
City, still referred to as Saigon, is a cosmopolitan city that combines
Vietnamese flair with US influences post Vietnam War and is one of the
most dynamic and progressive cities in Asia with great places to eat and
drink. The French also left their fingerprints all over this ‘Paris of the
Orient’, from architecture like the Notre Dame Cathedral to the best
pastries this side of the Eiffel Tower. Hotel (B)
Day 15 Ho Chi Minh
City to Mekong Delta
It’s a 2 day journey into the Mekong Delta. After
experiencing the Mekong-style Cai Be floating markets, lunch at a local
home then bike ride the surrounding rural area, passing a raft village,
pottery factories and local cottage industries. Meet your home stay
family, and get to experience Vietnamese life first-hand, enjoying a meal
with them this evening. Homestay (B,L,D)
Day 16 Mekong Delta
to Ho Chi Minh City
Life begins early in Asia and we rise to see the morning
life of rural Vietnam as the village awakes. Returning to the host family
for breakfast we bid farewell and continue our cruise of the Mekong,
visiting a rice wine workshop and a Long Thanh communal house before
returning to Ho Chi Minh City. Hotel (B,D)
Day 17 Ho Chi Minh
City to Nha Trang
Spend the first half of your day seeing the landmarks of
this bustling city like the Notre Dame cathedral, Presidential Palace and
The War Remnants Museum with history on The Vietnam War. Score a bargain
in the Ben Thanh markets, selling everything from fresh produce to fabrics
and handicrafts and everything in between! It’s a free afternoon so you
could pick up an option to venture to Long Tan, site of the most famous
battle involving Australians in the Vietnam War, or the alternative visit
to the Cu Chi tunnels. These 200km network of tunnels were made by the
Viet Cong to infiltrate unsuspecting US base camps. Then it’s a flight to
Nha Trang. Hotel (B)
Day 18 Nha
Trang
Ranked one of the top beaches in Vietnam, take the pace of
your trip down a notch and enjoy this waterside resort town while soaking
up the rays and swimming in the warm waters. Do your own thing or you
could bliss out with a mineral mud bath warmed by natural hot springs or
there’s a full day snorkelling cruise to offshore islands. Hotel (B)
Day 19 Nha Trang to
Hoi An
Fly to Danang and travel down to the UNESCO World Heritage
listed Hoi An. Join a walking tour through the Old Quarter, pagodas and
markets before biking the surrounding countryside. Free time this
afternoon to explore the town’s galleries and boutiques; perfect for
gifts! Hotel (B)
Day 20 Hoi
An
Enjoy another day in this little historic gem of a town. A
former trading port famous for wooden houses, Chinese influenced temples
and silk shops; it is the perfect place to have clothes tailor-made at
tiny prices. Get up close and personal with the locals by taking an option
to spend a day working with the local village farmers. Hotel (B)
Day 21 Hoi An to
Hue
There’s stunning coastal views while driving over the “Pass
of the Ocean Clouds” to the former Royal City of Hue. A dragon boat is
your ride to pagodas featuring an eclectic mix of western and eastern
influences. Following a visit to the Royal Tombs and the older, fortified
Citadel, it’s a free afternoon. Take an optional ride through the
Forbidden City, once occupied by Emperors, or join a cooking class in Hue
Royal cuisine in a renovated former royal house. Hotel (B)
Day 22 Hue to
Hanoi
Swap the coast for the city and fly to Hanoi, the capital
where you’ll find a unique mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and French
influences and where history and modernity live side by side. Wind your
way through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, sip cappuccinos, the
renowned Vietnamese coffee, in road side cafes or relax in one of the many
parks or lakes. Hotel (B)
Day 23 Hanoi to Halong
Bay
Drive out from Hanoi to the spectacular Halong Bay. Board a
traditional Junk boat for an overnight cruise through the surreal and
breathtaking landscape of these World Heritage listed waters where over
3,000 limestone islands rise right out from the water. Watch the
unforgettable scenery as we cruise past mountains, islands, beaches and
grottos while we lunch onboard. Take a bamboo row boat to explore the
lagoon, coral and water tunnels or watch sunset from the top of Titov
Mountain. Dinner is onboard. Overnight Cruise (B,L,D)
Day 24 Halong Bay to
Hanoi
Wake to a view of sunrise over jade green waters. View the
simple fishing villages perched on the tiny islands, swim and relax on the
large deck before enjoying lunch and heading back to Hanoi. Hotel
(B,L)
Day 25 Depart
Hanoi
Our tour ends upon arrival to our hotel in Hanoi, so say
goodbye to your crew and Tour Manager.(B)
Dates & Prices
| Dates |
Prices |
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Dates |
Prices |
| April 7 |
$3180 |
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May 11 |
$3180 |
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| June 9 |
$3180 |
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July 13 |
$3180 |
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| August 11 |
$3180 |
|
November 14 |
$3324 |
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| December 12 |
$3324 |
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*Pricing not guaranteed until time of booking
Important Trip Details
- On the day your tour begins, your Tour Manager will collect a mandatory
local payment in US$375 cash
- Single Room Supplement US$1,019
- Start at 6:00pm and end approx. 8:00am
- Visas may be required
Highlights
All these highlights along
with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!
Included
- Bangkok: Long-tail boat tour of the waterways and canals;
Overnight train to Chang Mai; Unlimited Sky Rail pass to explore the
shopping districts
- Chiang Mai: A visit to the Hmong Hilltribe village and
city orientation tour
- Mekong Delta: Cruise the Mekong Delta; Bike ride the
countryside; Live with a local family on an overnight stay; Travel in a
traditional private boat with onboard meals; Stay overnight in a local
guesthouse visiting remote villages’ markets
- Luang Prabang: A Bike tour of the UNESCO listed town; Take
part in the ritual of offering alms to the monks.
- Vientiane: A city tour including entry to the COPE
Exhibition Centre, to learn about the Indochinese War
- Phnom Penh: City tour and visit to the Khmer Rouge
“Killing Fields” genocide sites
- Siem Reap: Travel by tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat, the largest
religious monument in the world and watch sunset over the ruins; Visit
floating communities on Tonle Sap Lake; Visit the vine-covered Ta Phrom
temple, seen in Tomb Raider
- Ho Chi Minh City: City tour including entry to the War
Remnants Museum
- Nha Trang: Enjoy this seaside resort town known for its
pristine beaches and turquoise waters
- Hoi An: A walking tour through the UNESCO listed Old
Quarter; Countryside bike ride
- Hue: See stunning scenery en-route to Hue; Take a dragon
boat to visit pagodas; Visit the Imperial Citadel
- Halong Bay: Overnight cruise in a traditional Junk boat;
Swim, snorkel and explore the lagoon and coral
- Sapa: Trek through 6 villages meeting 3 different hill
tribes; Stay overnight in a local stilt house
Optional
Excursions
Chiang Mai
- Learn to cook Thai-style at a cooking Class at Chiang
Mai Cookery School (54 USD)
- Discover the secrets of Thai Cuisine – its subtle
flavors and unique presentation. The Thai Cooking School includes an
introduction to the ingredients, preparation and cooking of
traditional Thai food. Learn the Thai way to stir-fried, steam and
serve food and then enjoy your feast!
Chiang Rai
- Visit Akha & Yao hill tribes (83
USD)
- Experience the amazing cultures of two minorities- of
the Akha, who originated from Tibet and are among the poorest of
Thailand’s ethnic minorities. The Yao are from China and are still
influenced by Chinese traditions. Explore the ruins that dot the
countryside. Take in the view of the Golden Triangle. Experience Mae
Sai, northernmost town of Thailand and Burma and search for unique
souvenirs at the region's many flea markets.
- Visit the ‘Golden Triangle’ where 3 borders meet
()
Luang Prabang
- Half-day river kayaking adventure (45
USD)
- Enjoy floating through lush countryside and past
villages going about their daily life on this experience... you may
even encounter some small rapids along the way...
Vang Vieng
- Glide down the Mekong on a river tube (21
USD)
- Enjoy a pleasant trip floating 4km down the river.
Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
- Cycle the countryside on a half day bike tour (32
USD)
- Enjoy the scenery as you cycle through the
countryside, taking in daily local life. Marvel at the forest
products on offer at Vang Vieng Market or learn about life at the
H’mong village of the Ban Phudindeng. Drop in at an Organic
Farm,where mulberry tea and a variety of Fruit wines are produced.
Cycle back to Vang Vieng via Ban Vieng Sa Mai village and cross the
Nam Song river on a bamboo raft to take in the awesome sight of rice
field being worked by locals. * 4 person minimum *
Vientiane
- Dine at Makphet Restaurant, a training centre for
former street children which serves authentic Laos cuisine (15
USD)
- Makphet offer a wonderful selection of Lao cuisine,
with exceptional presentation of their dishes. Find out a little more
about the exceptional welfare work they do here and how you can
help.
Phnom Penh
- Visit the ancient capital of Udong (129
USD)
- Explore the remnants of ancient and modern history in
the ancient capital. Wander through ruins dating back to the 1600s
before paying respects at a memorial to the victims of Pol Pot. Let
Cambodia's amazing history soak into you.
- Take a tuk-tuk to a Khmer dinner in a 120 year old
French colonial building ()
Siem Reap
- Receive a good luck blessing ritual by Buddhist monks
(25 USD)
- Take part in a special blessings ceremony- be warned
you might get a bit wet... you want the luck to soak
in!
Ho Chi Minh City
- Enjoy a meal at a floating restaurant (25
USD)
- Float along the Saigon River in this triple-decker
cruiser, enjoying a fresh seafood feast, music and
dancing.
- Tour the Cu Chi Tunnels network (41
USD)
- Experience for yourself the underground village built
by Cu Chi guerrilla fighters over the course of forty years. Learn
about the battles that took place on these grounds.
- Tour Long Tan - site of Australian action during the
Vietnam (77 USD)
- The Battle of Long Tan is arguably the most famous
battle fought by the Australian Army during the Vietnam War. The
battle is often used in Australian officer training as an example of
the importance of combining and coordinating infantry, artillery,
armour and military aviation. We visit Nui Dat, Decourtney Rubber
(where the Long Thanh Cross is) and pass the Horseshoe, all
accompanied by a local VC veteran.
Nha Trang
- Cruise to offshore islands to swim and snorkel (61
USD)
- Cruise on the turquoise waters out past the offshore
islands of Nha Trang Bay to picturesque Hon Mun. How to enjoy this
paradise? Swim, snorkel, sunbathe or relax? It's up to
you!
- Experience a mineral mud bath warmed by hot springs
(27 USD)
- Luxuriate in a mud bath before relaxing in the sun to
allow the mud to work it's magic. Next scrub the mud off in a warm
mineral shower. Top it all off with a long soak in a thermal hot
pool. Bliss!!
Hoi An
- Take a trip to the My Son Temples (73
USD)
- Visit the site of the most important Cham intellectual
and religious centre, dating back the late 4th century. My Son has
only 20 monuments standing today. The monuments are set in a verdant
valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by massive Cat's Tooth
Mountain. My Son is linked to the grand cities of South-East Asia’s
other Indian-influenced civilizations: Angkor (Cambodia), Pagan
(Myanmar), Ayuthaya (Thailand) and Borobudur
(Java).
- Visit Tra Que and spend a day working with the local
village farmers (50 USD)
- Experience a day of living and working with the local
farmers in this village. Meander through the vegetable garden and
join the farmers in preparing the land and fertilizing it with
seaweed from the local lake. Relax after a morning of work with a
well-earnt lunch.
Hue
- Bike to the Forbidden City (38 USD)
- Enjoy the relaxed cycle through postcard-perfect
neighbourhoods before arriving at the Forbidden City and meandering
through an awe-inspiring complex of pavilions and gardens once
occupied by Vietnam’s Nguyen emperors.
- Cooking class and dinner in a renovated Royal house
(71 USD)
- Try your hand at cooking a traditional 3-course meal,
with a little help from a local chef. Enjoy your feast in an open-air
cultural complex after slaving away in the kitchen! * 2 person
minimum *
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